Now We Are Forty-Six!

For any younger women reading this blog, let me assure you that good things come with age and that your 40s will be a terrific decade. Just be certain to wear sunblock while you wait for the wisdom and confidence that come with experience.

I bought this jersey and satin top a couple of years ago (2013?) and it remains a favorite. The peplum is so divinely full — six panels, bias-cut — it almost feels like a little skater’s dress.

The craftsmanship is also very fine; it could almost be worn inside out, so beautifully is it finished. You know I dig that.

I said like a skater’s dress, but clearly not actually a dress because it doesn’t cover my bottom

Apparently, this stripe is made of leather

One of the downsides of aging is that my vision has abruptly gone from 20/20 to . . . something else. I need reading glasses now and send the most alarming emails and texts from my iPhone if I am not wearing them.

I bought these pants thinking that the tuxedo stripe down the side was satin, but found when I got them home that it was leather. You could fairly ask why I didn’t try them on or at least touch them before buying them. I have no good answer.

I must admit that the leather detail is very cool and adds a little unexpected edge.

But back to the plus-side of the ledger! Age has given me the moxie to wear this bizarre necklace, and the dignity to carry it off. I think.

great top and amazing necklace. love a showstopping piece of jewelry, especially one bought on vacation that instantly stirs up lovely memories every time you wear it. i hope you have a beautiful, well dressed year

Felicidades! Love the leather stripe and the whole ensemble. The necklace also can be utilized as a blunt instrument for self defense. So much more practical than a silly diamond pendant, which has no use other than being sparkly.

Happy Birthday, and I LOVE a great statement necklace! Great color combo too.
I am an avid reader, but rarely make a comment. But, of course, Happy Birthday wishes trump all. Hope it’s a festive and fun day for you and the family!

Looking forward to another year of being inspired by the Directrice! Thank you for setting a wonderful example for women: adding another year does not require giving up a sense of style — or humor. Happy birthday!

You look lovely, of course you have the dignity to carry it off! Happy Birthday! I wish I could follow your advice on sunscreen but I haven’t found one that doesn’t clog pores, so do tell us about yours. In the meantime, I’ll continue to wear a hat for all but the briefest trips outside.

I *do* find it scary, but Betsy’s comment made me reflect that like Wonder Woman’s bracelets it could deflect bullets, not to mention confuse and intimidate opposing counsel. I was with her in Piazza Tasso, and I can say that she saw it from *more* than twenty feet away. We were walking fast on the other side of the street and she crossed the road and zeroed in on it. Happy birthday, dear!

As my grandmother used to tell my father when he thought that something the fashionista women of our family wore was “a bit much” or “scary” — “Have another drink. You’ll think we’re fabulous in no time.” Then again, that WAS her cure for anything one complained about. 😉